Angelfish

About this event

Angelfish is new and original play by writer Bev Doyle (Mahabharata Now, The Martian Chronicles, Primeval) which will make its debut at the Old Court Theatre.

Set in the East End of London and Essex of the 1950’s, Angelfish is a comic drama in the style of One Man, Two Guvnors and The Ladykillers – with recognisable characters, sparky dialogue and a selection of mildly farcical misunderstandings and coincidences.

Jake Gould is an absolute chancer. One of heavyweight mob leader Frank Deacon’s minions, he’s never one to pass up a money-making opportunity, and if he can get away with something under Frank’s nose, so much the better. Between him and his Brummie sidekick “Shakespeare” there’s more wheeling and dealing going on than in a 1950s Kwik-Fit.

Jake’s keen to get out the crime business. Because he’s fallen in love with Angelica – and he will do anything for her. And, it transpires, utter strangers. During a stint in hospital (thanks to Frank’s goons), Jake is curious about a coma patient on the same ward and he drafts in his closest ally and local madam Simone to help find the man’s family. Unfortunately, witnessing their plan, the loyal Shakespeare gets his wires spectacularly crossed.

But first there’s the small matter of a ram raid, a face to face run-in with Frank and a batch of dodgy fur coats that need shifting toot-suite.

Frank knows there’s a bigger picture and he drafts in tame bent copper, D.I. Hubert to get to the bottom of it. And he’d quite like to wash his bloody hands of the sordid business before his beloved daughter “Angelfish” insists on him meeting her new fiancé.

Directors – Helen Quigley and Jacquie Newman